Empowered Parents, Thriving Kids: AHN’s Complete Pediatric Care in Erie

Children’s bodies grow and change quickly. Regular pediatric visits with a trusted provider can help you make sure your child’s health and development are on track. That is why AHN offers comprehensive pediatric care at our Erie East Side Health + Wellness Pavilion to support your child’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

The importance of a pediatrician who gets to know your child

Your child doesn't need to be sick to benefit from seeing a pediatrician. From infancy through the teen years, a pediatrician can help you understand your child's changing needs, answer questions, and provide care when concerns arise.

Having an established primary care pediatrician also means your family has someone to turn to who knows your child's medical history. Whether you have questions about new symptoms, preventive care, or childhood vaccination recommendations, your pediatrician can help you decide on the next steps.

“We can serve as your child’s healthcare home throughout childhood and adolescence,” said Sarah Puckett, DO, board-certified pediatrician at AHN. “Having that continuity of care allows us to get to know your child and family and build a lasting relationship.”

That relationship can become even more important as children get older. Regular visits can help teens learn to take a more active role in their health and prepare to manage their own care as they transition into adulthood.

Wellness starts with well-child visits

One of the best ways to build that relationship is through regular well-child visits. Even when your child seems healthy, these appointments give you and your pediatrician a chance to check on their health and development.

During these visits, your pediatrician can address:

• Growth and physical development
• Developmental or behavioral milestones
• Recommended immunizations (vaccines)
• Preventive screening needs
• Physical, mental, or emotional health concerns

At AHN, pediatricians may also screen for specific concerns including motor or speech delays, autism, scoliosis, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), depression, and anxiety. Regular visits help ensure your pediatrician catches these issues early and can provide your family with the right support.

“I want families to feel heard and included in their child’s care,” said Dr. Puckett. “There isn’t always one ‘right’ answer, so it’s important that we work together to develop a care plan that works for each child and family.”

Well-child visits should begin at birth and continue through adolescence. Your pediatrician can help you understand when to schedule these visits based on your child’s age and needs.

Family-centered care that fits your schedule

Keeping up with your child's health should be convenient. That's why AHN offers several ways to access pediatric services in Erie, including:

• Self-scheduling for well-child visits and same-day sick visits through MyChart, AHN’s online patient portal.
• Direct communication with office staff and providers through MyChart’s chat feature to get answers to questions and access to your child’s health information.
• After-hours pediatric assessment on nights, weekends, and holidays to help guide your child’s care at any time.
• Outpatient facilities with access to express care, lab, and radiology services all in one place.
• Telehealth options for quick and convenient care from the comfort of home.

In addition to the East Side Health + Wellness Pavilion, AHN offers pediatric care at the AHN Erie West Side Health + Wellness Pavilion and AHN Outpatient Center at Yorktown Centre. When your child needs a higher level of care, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital offers advanced pediatric services and a 24/7 emergency department.

Get started with complete pediatric care

AHN Pediatrics in Erie welcomes new patients from birth through adolescence, including children who don't currently have a pediatrician or are overdue for a well-child visit.

Whether you're welcoming a new baby or looking for ongoing care as your child grows, our team is here to help. Visit AHN.org or call 814-897-2597 to make an appointment at AHN Erie East Side Health + Wellness Pavilion.